Pakistan's cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan waves to supporters in Islamabad on Aug. 20, 2014 (AP photo)
The protest in Pakistan appears to have reached a crossroads. Late this evening, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan addressed his supporters at a massive rally in Islamabad, hours after his deadline for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's resignation lapsed. While his stance remained unchanged, earlier in the evening, the other leader of the protest, populist cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri was engaged by negotiators from the government and the opposition.
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Addressing thousands of protesters in Islamabad's Red Zone, Mr Khan said that while he was open to dialogue, it was not of much use if Prime Minister Sharif didn't step down. And to achieve that objective, if need be, he would "sleep alone in a container". (Highlights of Imran Khan's Speech)
Earlier in the evening, Mr Sharif, in a last-ditch firefighting effort, sent four negotiators - two from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and two from the opposition - to Mr Qadri. While the talks were on, the parliament blockade came to a temporary halt. The move, though, was symbolic since the building was empty.
After the talks, Mr Qadri said, "I have always been ready for dialogue. We will not compromise on our demands". At this point, any capitulation on his part will cost the PTI dear. The two movements have no common goal apart from toppling the government. But their combined pressure - and numbers - has given extra heft to the protests. (Also Read: Pakistan Social Media Abuzz with Pro and Anti-Government Debates)
Earlier in the evening, Mr Khan told a Pakistani television channel that he would accept "whatever Supreme Court decided". Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered Mr Khan and Mr Qadri to appear tomorrow, in response to a petition filed over their protests. (Read)
Around 30,000 protesters are picketing Islamabad's Red Zone, which houses key buildings including parliament, the prime minister's house and numerous Western embassies. The blockade on the Parliament House began early this morning.
Imran Khan's PTI has also begun a parallel protest in Karachi. Mr Qadri and he claim that last year's general election - in which Mr Sharif's PML-N had won a landslide victory - was rigged. The election was rated as free and credible by international observers.
Mr Sharif has refused to step down. In a move to underscore the Army's support to his government, he has deployed 700 soldiers to guard Islamabad's Red Zone.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, headed by Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, has begun an investigation into Mr Khan's allegations of rigging in last year's national elections. The probe was announced by the PM last week. Many saw it as an attempt to preempt the opposition protests.
Despite fears of violence, there have been no major clashes yet. The government had pledged restraint. Both Mr Khan and Mr Qadri, too, asked the protesters to be peaceful. "We will stage such a big crowd that people will forget Tahrir Square," Mr Khan told his followers.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan has experienced three military coups and Mr Khan's protest raises fears of the army stepping in. The international community has signaled its displeasure. Britain has urged the two sides to find a democratic solution. The European Union also voiced support for democracy in Pakistan, and linked it to a coveted trade deal.
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